Order: Flightless Bird
Family: Emus
Found: Australia

Diet: Omnivore (Eats Plants & Meat)
Size: 1.5-1.9 m
Weight: 30-60 kg
Gestation: 62 days

Conservation Status: LC

Information: The second largest bird on the planet. Only the African Ostrich is larger. The wings of the bird are only 10 cm long and therefore totally without the ability to fly. It is covered in grey/black/ brown feathers which are unique to Emus and Cassowaries, in that they split into two feathers at the base giving a very thick covering of feathers yet keeping the area close to the skin with air spaces in order to cool it down in the amazing heat of the Australian Outback.

Food: The diet consists of seeds, leaves and fruits. Small vertebrates and invertebrates are also relished by this icon of Australia.

Threats: Once over the emu was widely hunted for meat and oil, and the eggs were collected for food which led to them becoming extinct from several islands, including Tasmania. On the mainland the expansion of cereal farming and the provision of water for domestic livestock benefits the emu and an extensive network of “emu-proof” fences protects farmland.

This large birds wings are only 10cm so it cannot fly away from trouble and relies upon its powerful legs for speed to run away or in extreme cases a kick to protect itself from harm.

Breeding: It is unusual in that the female lays up to 18 eggs in a nest in the late dry season and the male tends to the eggs and takes equal responsibility in looking after the welfare of the offspring. The eggs are usually dark green and measure around 150 mm long. It is a family effort, the chicks are looked over by the parent for nearly a year before dispersal.

Map: Red = Locations Found 804